Matt. 24-28

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Learn from Jesus’ Sermons

In Ferris Bueller's Day Off, a high school senior skips school, reasoning that, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" I may not let my kids use that line to ditch school, but he has a point. As we race through our days, we lose sight of the forest when we fixate on the trees. Likewise, a through-the-Bible reading plan can keep us zooming through chapters without realizing how it fits together.

So before we wrap up the book, let's "stop and look around" at Matthew's gospel, noticing how five of Christ's sermons take center stage in this book. Each sermon’s design lends itself to teaching and memorization. And each ends by saying what happened "when he had finished" speaking (Matt. 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Let's look at how these sermons have fit into the story of Jesus in Matthew.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7)

After Matthew's introduction took us from Christ's birth to his early ministry (Matt. 1-4), we got a window into the kind of teaching that grabbed people's attention. "And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him" (Matt. 7:28-8:1).

The Missionary Sermon (Matt. 10)

After Jesus chose his apostles, he sent them with a warning of persecutions (Matt. 10:16-25), a promise of providence (Matt. 10:26-32), and a sense of authority (Matt. 10:40). "When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples" he continued preaching throughout Galilee (Matt. 11:1). But controversy grew in the next set of stories, fulfilling the sermon's foreboding tone.

The Parable Sermon (Matt. 13)

Christ's parables painted earthly pictures to illustrate the kingdom of God. They hid the truth from some but illuminated it for others, and the difference between these two groups becomes even clearer in the next stories. "And when Jesus had finished these parables" he faced rejection in his hometown (Matt. 13:53-58) before turning to others, including Gentiles (Matt. 15:21-39).

The Church Sermon (Matt. 18)

Here, Jesus directed congregational life, prompted by a question about "Who is the greatest in the kingdom" (Matt. 18:1). "Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan" (Matt. 19:1), transitioning from Galilee to his Judean ministry.

The Sermon of Predictions (Matt. 24 & 25)

On Monday and Tuesday (Matt. 24 & 25), Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem and the temple (Matt. 24:1-34), then explains his final coming in judgment (Matt. 24:35-25:46). "_When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said … "the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”" (Matt. 26:1–2). So the final chapters of the book will lead us through the betrayal night (Matt. 26), crucifixion (Matt. 27), and resurrection of the Lord (Matt. 28).

All of these sermons share an underlying theme: separation. The Lord's trial gives us a final, literal example of what we've seen throughout the book — people deciding what they think about this figure. As a familiar hymn says, "What will you do with Jesus?"

Then at the end of the book, the disciples receive a commission to instill all of the Lord's teaching in new disciples throughout the world (Matt. 28:19-20). How fitting that this book of Christ's sermons closes with a command for us to continue Jesus' ministry of teaching!

Ezek. 14-28

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Ezekiel chapters 14-28, the prophet continues to convey God’s messages of judgment and hope amidst Israel's turmoil. Chapter 14 emphasizes the issue of idolatry, warning that individuals who persist in sin will face divine judgment, regardless of their leaders. The discourse extends to God's judgments against surrounding nations, emphasizing that righteousness is imperative not only for Israel but for all peoples. Chapter 18 introduces the concept of personal responsibility, stating that individuals can choose life and turn from sin. As the narrative progresses, God reveals a message of hope and restoration, particularly in chapters 34-37, promising a future revival for Israel. In chapters 26-28, the focus shifts to Tyre, characterized by God’s condemnation of its pride and arrogance. Ultimately, these chapters illustrate a balance of divine justice and the assurance of eventual restoration, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to His people.

REFLECTING ON THE PSALMS

Psalms 94-96 continue the themes of divine sovereignty and worship introduced in the preceding chapters. Psalm 94 presents a plea for justice, highlighting God's role as the ultimate judge who sees the struggles of the oppressed and will not forsake His people. It reinforces the idea that wickedness will not prevail against God's justice. Psalm 95 invites the faithful to worship with joy, urging them to acknowledge God as the Creator and Shepherd, deserving of reverence and praise. It serves as a reminder to respond to God’s call with humility and gratitude. Finally, Psalm 96 celebrates God's universal reign, proclaiming His glory among the nations and calling all creation to rejoice. Together, these psalms inspire worshipers to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, encouraging a joyful response to His greatness and a commitment to proclaim His faithfulness.

Week 32